Do it Yourself: Re: [DIY] Building Code

24 September 2012

Re: [DIY] Building Code

two or more GFCI receptacles can be installed on a single circuit if wired in parallel, that is, feeding wires into the line end of the receptacle and back out via dual terminals to the next receptacle. when connected in series, when the receptacle downstream of the first receptacle trips, it will probably trip the first one also. by hooking up in parallel fashion, all the receptacles are independent, allowing the one with the fault to trip out and identify the source of the problem rather than having to go to each receptacle to find the problem.

it is usually best to have an individual 20-amp circuit to each bathroom to allow multiple people to run razors and hair dryers at the same time, probably code if enforced in your area.

if the fixture in the shower has any exposed metal trim, it too must be GFI protected for YOUR safety!

think all of the requirements are BS? none of us are getting younger, so making improvements now will serve you well later, when money and time are in much shorter supply!

From: Ray Kornele <krazykyngekorny@gmail.com>
To: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 2:31 PM
Subject: Re: [DIY] Building Code

You can not use more than one GFCI on a given circuit. Two GFCIs will trip each other. So, your contractor is full of it.

The GFCI needs to be upstream from all the other outlets, so the entire string will shut down when a fault occurs.
KrazyKyngeKorny (Krazy, not stupid)

On Sun, Sep 23, 2012 at 11:25 AM, ddj0195 <ddj0195@yahoo.com> wrote:

We are in Florida, and hoping to update our master bathroom. The bathroom is circa 1985.

The contractor we just discussed this with is saying we have to change out all the electrical outlets in the bathroom because they do not have GFCI reset buttons on the outlets. The reset is currently in the Garage. All of the bathroom outlets are on the GFCI line, but do not have individual reset buttons.

He informed us we are also required by law to put in a light in the walk in shower.

Additionally, we are informed that we have to have a handicap accessible doorway to the bathroom, requiring the widening of the door and frame to 30 inches. The only 30 inch door frame in the entire house is the exterior door on the front of the house.

This is a private residence we are discussing. I'm flabbergasted that a homeowner would be required to make handicap accessible changes to their own home when there are no handicap persons living in the house. Is the law that insane or is the contractor full of BS?